Josh Hart said before Tuesday’s game that he didn’t expect him to play more than 40 minutes in 10 consecutive games due to OG Anunoby’s return from injury, and he was right.
In the Knicks’ 106-79 win over the Sixers, Hart’s playing time was cut to just 39 minutes, 06 seconds, a 40-minute span that barely ended a nine-game streak and 54 minutes away from becoming the first NBA player since James Harden to play. It was seconds. In 2016, there will be 10 consecutive matches.
Hart was ejected with 5:55 left in the game, likely costing him his first 20-rebound game of his career.
Still, he finished the game with 20 points, tying a career-high in 19 appearances and dishing out 10 assists, his fourth triple-double of the season.
“it is [have been] Nice. But Thomas Thibodeau wanted me out of the game,” Hart said with a smile after the game. “Everyone complained that I played 40 minutes. We could have won 20-20, but he eliminated me. Good luck, Thomas.”
The Garden crowd certainly appreciated Hart’s effort, giving him a rapturous ovation when he was ejected in the fourth quarter, and Hart responded with several fist pumps when it appeared on the scoreboard.
“He’s going to be sad about something, so it goes from one ear to the other,” Thibodeau said. “But he’s been great and he plays to win. That’s what I love about him.”
Jalen Brunson’s father, assistant coach Rick Brunson, was with the Knicks in 2000, the last time the franchise held an opponent to 80 points or less in three straight games.
Asked what kind of effort it would take, Thibodeau deadpanned, “Obviously, Brunson.”
Thibodeau’s pregame update on Julius Randle was that the All-Star power forward’s condition was “about the same,” which means he is back in full contact with the dislocated right shoulder he suffered on Jan. 27. This means that he is still waiting for medical clearance.
Asked if he planned to initiate contact with Randle, Thibodeau said:rehabilitation [sessions] is now your game. And that’s what he’s doing. … the [about] He feels better. We have to continue to strengthen his shoulder and move forward from there. ”
All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey scored 17 points for the Sixers after missing the past four games with a concussion.
Joel Embiid (knee), Robert Covington (knee) and De’Anthony Melton (back) remained sidelined.
